Convert PNG to GIF Online
Turn PNG files into GIF directly in your browser using ConverterUp. There is no upload, no waiting in a queue, and no account required — your files stay on your device while WebAssembly does the work locally. Adjust quality and dimensions where supported, then download the result. The output keeps the visual fidelity you'd expect from a desktop app while running entirely in the browser tab.
Convert PNG to GIF nowHow to convert PNG to GIF
Open the converter
Click the button to open the PNG to GIF tool. It loads instantly — no install, no signup.
Drop your PNG file
Drag your PNG file into the upload area or click to browse. The file stays in your browser memory only.
Download GIF
The conversion runs locally and finishes in seconds. Click download to save the GIF file to your device.
PNG vs GIF at a glance
Key technical differences between the two formats, so you know what to expect before converting.
| Feature | PNG | GIF |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Raster image | Raster image |
| Compression | Lossless | Lossless |
| Transparency | Full alpha channel | On/off (1-bit) |
| Animation | — | Yes |
| Colors | Millions (true color) | Up to 256 |
| Bit depth | 1–16 bit/channel | 8 bit (palette) |
| Browser support | All browsers | All browsers |
| Extensions | .png | .gif |
| MIME type | image/png | image/gif |
| Introduced | 1996 · PNG Development Group / W3C | 1987 · CompuServe |
What changes when you convert PNG to GIF
- Both formats are lossless, so the pixels in the GIF file are identical to the PNG source. Only the container and compression method change.
- GIF only supports on/off transparency, so soft edges and semi-transparent pixels from PNG become either fully opaque or fully transparent.
- GIF is limited to 256 colors per frame. Photos and gradients will be reduced to a palette, which can cause banding or dithering.
About PNG
PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a lossless raster format created as a patent-free replacement for GIF. It supports full alpha transparency and up to 16 bits per channel.
- Best for
- Screenshots, logos, UI graphics, diagrams and any image that needs a transparent background or pixel-perfect edges.
- Strengths
- Lossless quality, full transparency, opens everywhere.
- Limitations
- Photos produce large files compared with JPG, WebP or AVIF.
About GIF
GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) dates from 1987 and is best known for short looping animations. Each frame uses a palette of at most 256 colors, with simple on/off transparency.
- Best for
- Reaction animations, simple loops, tiny icons and anywhere animation must work without video support.
- Strengths
- Animation that works everywhere, including email clients and chat apps.
- Limitations
- 256-color limit, no audio and very large files compared with MP4 or WebP for the same animation.
Frequently asked questions
Is the PNG to GIF conversion really free?
Yes. ConverterUp is fully free, with no signup, no watermarks, and no daily quota for the PNG to GIF converter. We support the project through unobtrusive ads.
Are my PNG files uploaded to a server?
No. Conversion runs in your browser using WebAssembly. The PNG bytes never leave your device, and we have no upload endpoint at all.
What is the maximum file size?
For PNG input, the soft cap is 50 MB for images and 500 MB for video. Practical performance depends on your device's RAM.
Does converting PNG to GIF reduce quality?
No. Both formats are lossless, so every pixel is preserved exactly.
Does GIF keep the transparent background of my PNG?
Partly. GIF supports only fully transparent or fully opaque pixels, so soft shadows and anti-aliased edges may look jagged.
Related guide
PNG vs JPG vs WebP: Which Format to Use WhenRelated conversions
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